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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-08- ARC MinutesCity of Palm Springs ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California 92262 Minutes of September 8, 2014 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Fauber called the meeting to order at 3:02 pm. ROLL CALL: Committee Members Present: Cassady, Secoy-Jensen, Hirschbein, Purnel, Song, Vice -Chair Fredricks and Chair Fauber, Committee Members Absent: None Planning Commissioner Present: Doug Hudson Also Present: Interim Director Evans, Associate Planner Newell, and Assistant Planner Mlaker REPORT OF THE POSTING OF AGENDA: Agenda is available for public access at the City Hall bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) and the Planning Department counter by 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 3, 2014. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted, as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: AUGUST 25, 2014 M/S/C (Fredricks/Secoy-Jensen, 7-0) Approve the minutes of August 24, 2014, as amended. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 2. RHSMAX T41, LLC, OWNER FOR A TENTATIVE TRACT MAP AMENDMENT (TTM 32736) FOR A CONDOMINIUM MAP AND MAJOR ARCHITECTURE APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 41-UNIT CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX KNOWN AS VIBRANTE, LOCATED AT 6500 34TH AVENUE, ZONE R-G-A(6), SECTION 30 (CASE 3.3745). ASSISTANT PLANNER MLAKER presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff memorandum. Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda September 8, 2014 RICK SCOTT, developer, explained that the landscape plan was changed in accordance to the comments made by the Architectural Advisory Committee. CHRIS HERMAN provided a description of the landscape plan and answered questions. CHAIR FAUBER said that it would be best to present the landscape and the architectural plan together before posing questions. CHRIS HERMAN described the landscape plan to include palm trees no turf grass would be in place, front yards would be maintained by the owners. The option to have a pool/spa would have the dimensions of 20 feet by 10 feet and for a spa to be 7 feet by 7 feet. A pedestrian gate will be added at both entrances to the community. PUBLIC COMMENT: TREY DANIEL does not support the use of gates/walls around the community. He proposed that the homes on 34th Avenue be reconfigured to face onto the street and sent a memo to Rick Scott. RANDOLPH SCOTT stated that he is opposed the construction of a gated community, for the reason that it excludes the neighboring homes. WENDY ROGERS said that she is opposed to the construction of the walls since it would disconnect and isolate the neighboring homes. RICK SCOTT countered that the proposed project is a private community and there would be no additional traffic added to the area. The walls are part of the original approval. They would be attractive walls, but the proposed project is a private community. CHAIR FAUBER asked when the approved tentative tract map was made. PLANNER MLAKER answered that the map was approved in the mid 2000's. INTERIM PLANNING DIRECTOR EVANS stated that in the event that the walls are removed the result would be that the proposed homes would not have a backyard or pool space. RICK SCOTT stated that the engineering section of the tentative tract map was reviewed and the conditions set in it were acted on. For instance, the street parking was adjusted for easier mobility. 2 Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda September 8, 2014 INTERIM PLANNING DIRECTOR EVANS stated that the previously approved Tentative Tract Map remains active; however any changes would require a new review with a recommendation from AAC. MEMBER HIRSCHBEIN asked if other areas within the community will utilize pavers similar to main entrance. RICK SCOTT answered that pavers would only be used in the entry features. MEMBER HIRSCHBEIN stated that the renderings did not match the descriptions. AAC members discussed the following items: material for wall cap; tree sizes; house color schemes; color of window frames; parapets on elevation #1; awning styles; and use of slate. COMMISSIONER HUDSON suggested the use of pedestrian gates along 34th Avenue as a way to integrate the two communities. M/S/C (Fauber/Fredricks, 7-0) Table with review by sub -committee (Purnel, Song, Fredricks) focusing on the following: 1. Redesign front wall along 34th Street to include 7 pedestrian gates 2. Plant trees at main entry, remove pots. 3. Add man gate on secondary access. 4. Show color schemes correctly. 5. 3D renderings to accurately show color schemes. 6. Refinement of elevations. 7. Plans 2A re -look at element above garage door. 8. Substitute slate with block. 9. Placements of windows. 10. Detail of awnings. 11. Show window frame color. 12.Add decorative pavers within the project. 13. Provide landscape plan fronting along 34tt Street. 14. Increase tree sizes to 36" box. NEW BUSINESS: 3. MOJAVE BLUE L.P., OWNER FOR A MINOR ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL AND VARIANCE REQUEST TO REDUCE SETBACK TO 5 FEET FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIVE TRELLIS CARPORTS AT THE MOJAVE BLUE APARTMENTS LOCATED AT 2720 EAST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY, ZONE R-3, SECTION 13 (CASES 6.541 & 3.1120). N Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda September 8, 2014 ASSISTANT PLANNER MLAKER presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff memorandum. M/S/C (Fauber/Fredricks, 6-0-1 abstention Secoy-Jensen) Approve to submit to the Planning Commission. 4. SAGE COURTYARD L.P., OWNER FOR A MINOR ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL AND VARIANCE REQUEST TO REDUCE SETBACK TO 5 FEET FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEVEN CARPORTS AT THE SAGE APARTMENTS LOCATED AT 2300 EAST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY, ZONE R-3, SECTION 13. (CASE NOS. 3.1312 & 6.540). ASSISTANT PLANNER MLAKER presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff memorandum. M/S/C (Fauber/Secoy, 6-0-1 abstention Song) Approve to submit to the Planning Commission. 5. OLIVERA, LLC FOR A TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FOR A 5 LOT SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION AT 199 WEST VIA OLIVERA, ZONE R- 2, SECTION 3. (CASE NOS. TPM 36737, 5.1348 PD373, 3.3730 MAJ). ASSISTANT PLANNER MLAKER presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff memorandum. M/S/C (Song/Cassady, 7-0) Approved on three conditions: to reconsider the site design with combined the side yards with no property lines, to revise the landscapes plan, to look at site layout with Lot 0 design and to omit the gazebo and instead have a public benefit feature(renewable energy, landscape, or public transportation). 6. PALM SPRINGS PROMENADE, LLC FOR AN UPDATE ON EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS OF BLOCK A OF THE DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS RENOVATION PROJECT LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF ANDREAS ROAD AND PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD. (CASE 3.3605 MAJ). ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project (Building A) as outlined in the staff memorandum. MEMBER SECOY-JENSEN asked why certain elements in the presentations were omitted from the Architectural Advisory Committee's packets. 0 Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda September 8, 2014 INTERIM DIRECTOR EVANS answered that the various changes were last minutes and after the packets had been complied and sent out. Building B was redesign in about one week. ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented an overview of the exhibits and progress on the proposed project. CHAIR FAUBER asked if the refinements would only be presented at the meetings. INTERIM DIRECTOR EVANS stated that this was an exception. CHRIS PARDO explained the details that were changed on recommendation of the Planning Commission and the Architectural Advisory Committee. The right element was brought down to ground it. There was an addition of wood sockets; a thicker awning was added as well. MEMBER HIRSCHBEIN asked if the vertical green element separates the retail spaces. THE APPLICANT replied that the green element will not be separating the spaces. THE BOARD asked if the vacant area adjacent to the building would be used a parking lot. THE APPLICANT answered that it would probably not be used for that purpose. THE BOARD asked where the proposed parking structure is located. THE APPLICANT stated that the parking structure starts at the hotel and runs through `Main Street', it is an underground structure. MEMBER SONG inquired if the planter design is a final design or only a place holder. THE APPLICANT presented the landscape features. Planter plots would be placed in the parking structures for the reason that there is not planting depth. The landscape element has the subcommittee that will process that further. CHRIS PARDO stated that there would be a proposed mixed use building that would have residential units in the upper floor and retail space in the ground floor. M/S/C (Jensen/Fredricks 7-0) Block A approved as submitted k Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda September 8, 2014 7. PALM SPRINGS PROMENADE, LLC FOR A REVISED ARCHITETURAL APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT A TWO-STORY COMMERCIAL BUILDING ON BLOCK B OF THE DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS RENOVATION PROJECT LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF ANDREAS ROAD AND PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD. (CASE 3.3606 MAJ) ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project (Building B) as outlined in the staff memorandum. MEMBER HIRSCHBEIN asked if the green vertical panels come out on an angle, if they are wedge-shaped, and if they are metal. CHRIS PARDO replied that they do in fact come out at an angle; they are wedge-shaped, and metal. The proposed building will have shade provide by another building as well its own design features. MEMBER SECOY-JENSEN questioned if the pictured dark material was Rhine zinc. THE APPLICANT explained that the lower portions would be a white stucco, that would be the main element and the black Rhine zinc would use as an accent. The objective is to further define certain features. CHAIR FAUBER spoke in favor of the project; it's refreshing and modern MEMBER HIRSCHBEIN stated that a linear flat roof does not look cohesive with the overall design. THE APPLICANT responded that the Planning Commission and Architectural Advisory Committee feedback suggested a more linear design; the current projection is not the ideal. Chris Prado had an idea to have an alternative roof design that would start high on the left and go low on the right, then start high on the right and go low on the left. CHRIS PARDO stated that the original concept consisted only of retail space and didn't encourage the unique aspect of Palm Springs. The Alley and La Plaza, although different architecturally, they both convey the spirit of Palm Springs and were used as inspiration. The swopping roofs and the other elements that those two buildings have were incorporated into the design. THE APPLICANT said that the storefronts, the enclosed area the retail specs have, can be redesign as to the owner's desire, but will be subject go before the Planning Commission and the Architectural Advisory Committee. 0 Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda September 8, 2014 CHRIS PARDO explained that the current store front design consists of spandrel glass with a white stucco box that incases the individual store fronts that is accented with the aforementioned black Rhine zinc. This adds a pop to the design. The upper level would have a light gray material that has wooden accents. Spandrel glass will also be used in the above office space; the depicted screens would provide the space for retail logos. THE BOARD encouraged that the use of spandrel glass on tenant store front to remain consistent and allow change of material. CHRIS PARDO stated that the structure will have adequate shading; by 3:00 pm there should be complete shading on the front fagade. The planting scheme is a horsetail in the balconies. The mechanical fixtures (AC units) will be covered. FRANK TYSON, public comment, expressed his concern that the new project will not be consistent with the classic Palm Springs design. He then read a couple online comments that spoke against the project. He then suggested that some Spanish architecture accents be included. He would like the applicant to keep the Palm Springs charm as much as possible. THE BOARD asked what would be the result if the back roof design was swapped and at what point does the back drop roof disappear. CHRIS PARDO responded that the higher roof is unseen from the other side of the street. MEMBER HIRSCHBEIN suggested keeping the spandrel glass above the overhang. He also asked if the store front frames were based on their lease plans or would the frames be adjusted in the future. CHRIS PARDO answered that the spaces have preliminary leases designed for with the leases in mind. MEMBER HIRSCHBEIN asked if the spaces already have certain owners why not built the store front to comply with the preliminary leases. PLANNING COMISSIONER HUDSON questioned if the spandrel glass is alumminated. CHRIS PARDO answered it is not, the renderings did not depicted it correctly. CHAIR FAUBER spoke in favor of the AC covering [mechanical equipment]. He suggested that the spandrel glass be expressed differently. MEMBER SECOY-JENSEN commented that the Bank of America had a similar 7 Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda September 8, 2014 design to cover the mechanical equipment and then their demand for heating/cooling grew as such the structure had to be replaced. She suggested when designing the mechanical equipment screen to keep in mind future development and use. She also spoke in favor of the project, commenting that it was heading in the appropriate manner. THE BOARD remarked that the proposed project would be viewed in the future as the way architecture in Palm Springs looked like in 2014. It provides a step up for future developments. MEMBER SONG stated that the choice of materials, horsetail landscape, softens the overall design. THE BOARD is pleased to see the landscape integrated into the architecture and will be submitted at a later date. The only drawback is that horsetail is fast growing and in the long run may not be the most sustainable option. He suggested looking into slow -growing desert plants. M/S/C (Fauber/Fredricks 7-0) Block B approved as submitted. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS: No comments. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: No comments. ADJOURNMENT: The Architectural Advisory Committee of the City of Palm Springs adjourned at 6:25 pm to the next regular meeting at 3:00 pm on September 22, 2014, Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. f� S Douglas Evans Interim Director of Planning Services E3